Lois Roszelle Brockman

LOIS ROSZELLE BROCKMAN, 93, died peacefully on Christmas morning, 2002, in Houston, Texas. Only daughter of Robert Herbert Brockman and his wife, Edith Louise Patton Brockman, Lois grew up in Atchison, Kansas, in a house built by her grandparents. At age 12, Lois and her parents moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she attended high school and later Friends University. Although First Christian Church had been her home church, inspired by Friends' peace testimony and their belief in the Inner Light in each person, Lois decided to become a friend, (Quaker.) After college, Lois taught middle school. During World War II, she was trained as a welder, and performed quality checks with x-rays on airplane parts. She also worked as a typist in records and as secretary for several physicians, including H. Harlan Crank, MD at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. In 1950, when Dr. Crank decided to move his practice in psychoanalytic psychiatry to Houston, he offered Lois a job as clinical secretary, and she accepted. She worked for Dr. Crank in Houston until 1969, and became a good friend of the family. Later, she worked at old Jeff Davis Hospital in medical records, and for a short time, at Ben Taub Hospital. She also "moon-lighted" at the old Heights Hospital, transcribing medical records. When her last job at Thomas Street Clinic came to an end, she continued to do volunteer work there well into her 80's. With quiet dignity she championed the causes of the disenfranchised, and worked for civil rights. Appointed to the YWCA board, she helped integrate the cafeteria there. Along with Walter Whitson, she was one of the early "founders" of Live Oak Friends Meeting in Houston. She was also one of several Quaker volunteers, who, along with the Jan de Hartog, author of the The Hospital, helped bring about positive change at the old Jeff Davis Hospital, and led to the creation of the Harris County Hospital District. Lois had a tender heart for both people and animals. She was generous to all who needed her help. Her words during candle-lighting, a few days before her death, reminded us that, despite our differences, the Light shines in each and every one, and it is our duty to be true to that Light. She is survived by her cousin Ray Morrison and son Gregory Morrison, and Rosalie Downing, widow of cousin Robert Downing, and son Craig Snyder all of Atchison, Kansas. Her remains were returned to Atchison and buried alongside her mother and father. A memorial service for Lois will take place on Sunday, the 5th of January, at 4:00 p.m., at Live Oak Friends Meeting House at 1318 West 26th Street, Houston, Texas 77008. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Friends University, 2100 University, Wichita, KS, 67213 and/or Live Oak Friends Meeting, 1318 W. 26th St., Houston, TX 77008.